South Atlanta News

INDIANAPOLIS — At the NFL Combine, Atlanta Falcons' General Manager Terry Fontenot and Head Coach Raheem Morris maintained their positions during media sessions on Tuesday morning. The focus of questions was predictable, revolving around key players such as Kirk Cousins, Grady Jarrett, and Michael Penix Jr., along with inquiries about talent evaluation.

Fontenot and Morris addressed Cousins' injury situation from the previous season, confirming awareness of his condition post-Week 10 loss to the Saints. However, they did not provide clarity on whether the injury persisted. When questioned about Cousins' comments before the Super Bowl, they indicated that it did not alter their plan for him to serve as Penix's backup in 2025.

Discussions regarding other players like Jarrett, Drew Dalman, and Kyle Pitts were deemed private by Fontenot. The team's decisions for these players remain undisclosed at this time.

The Falcons have significant decisions ahead for their defensive lineup in 2025. Notably absent from the combine were offensive assistants; only a select group of defensive staff attended. Reports indicate all scheduled interviews with prospects are focused solely on defensive players.

This approach suggests a strategic emphasis on defense for upcoming draft selections and free agency decisions. While official statements from Fontenot and Morris offered little new information beyond prior announcements at the end of the 2024 season, their actions at the combine suggest clear intentions regarding team strategy moving forward.

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